Andhra University students develop migraine detection kit

Postgraduate students from the Department of Zoology at Andhra University have made a significant breakthrough by developing an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kit for the early detection of migraines. They have applied for a patent following promising preliminary results.

This innovation is anticipated to improve the accuracy of migraine diagnoses, a condition often confused with common headaches due to similar symptoms. Currently, doctors primarily rely on clinical symptoms and patients’ medical histories to diagnose migraines, which can lead to delays in proper treatment.

Launched in 2025, the research project involved MSc Zoology students P. Divyasai, J. Kalyani, C. Madhuri, T. Soujanya, and P. Sravani, under the supervision of S. Manikantha, Programme Manager (Biophysics) at TQ Labs-E Laboratory.

Using advanced scientific methods, the team identified specific biomarkers in blood and urine samples that could facilitate early detection of migraines.

In another phase of the study, MSc students Bhagyasri, P. Mahalakshmi, K. Ramya, and D. Sathya, guided by Professor Bharatalakshmi, collected blood and urine samples from migraine patients through clinical studies conducted at hospitals.

The samples were analyzed using advanced technologies such as proteomics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). During analysis, the researchers identified inflammatory biomarkers in blood samples and neurotransmitter metabolites in urine samples associated with migraines.

Dr. Ravikiran Yedidi, founder of T cabs E Laboratory, commented on the development, stating that the kit will undergo further validation through large-scale clinical trials in collaboration with hospitals before being introduced to the market.